Loving, Crafting, & Cooking in the Country: Thankful this November

It has been a super hectic end of October and all of November! So I am going to do a quick recap of the last month or so, centered on things I am thankful for.

1. I am thankful for my brother and his new wife Patti who were married October 23, 2014 ! It was such a pleasure to be a part of their wedding and see them start their lives together.

2. I am thankful that I have my faith and that I know there is more to life than our time here on Earth. I am thankful that I know God is watching over me and that I will see my mom again someday.

3. I am thankful for my family, which includes both my side and Tom's side. I don't even feel like there are sides anymore because I feel so loved by both parts of my family and they make me feel loved too. I am thankful for my nephews. Those two boys are the sweetest and I genuinely enjoyed being with them this Thanksgiving. From having them fight about getting to sit near Tom and I every time we eat with them, to teaching my older nephew how to make paper fortune tellers, or snuggling with my younger nephew on the couch while watching a Dean Martin Christmas special, I know holidays are special, especially when they are around.

Visiting with my Aunt Annette & Steven who were visiting from Florida

4. I am thankful for my sister-friend Stevi. I am thankful that I get to watch her be an awesome wife to Joe and mother to Leo and Juliet. I am thankful that these 2 little ones can be a part of my life and that I have been friends with Stevi for almost 10 years now.

Tom & Juliet

Leo's 4th Birthday party

At the park with the kids on Veteran's Day. What better way to spend my day off from school?

Of course I'll push you while we count by 2's, 5's, & 10's to 100 Leo!

5. I am thankful I am a kindergarten teacher. I am thankful that I spend my days chasing after and teaching 28 kids, who make me laugh, even when they make me want to jump out a window some days. I am thankful I have a super helpful and loving aide to help me each day, and wonderful teacher friends as co-workers.

Turkey flower from one of my students

6. I am thankful for crafting and cooking. I absolutely love trying new recipes and crafting new things. I am currently trying to make pine-cone ornaments and crocheted snowflakes. I also made some delicious food for Thanksgiving. I am thankful I live in the USA and that I have access to delicious food whenever I want it, especially from the local farm stands.

Cornbread Casserole for Thanksgiving

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Fried ravioli (Check out Giada's recipe)

The football cake I made my brother-in-law for his birthday

Pioneer Woman Bread Salad

Egg in a Hole PW style Breakfast for Dinner

7. I am thankful to be married to Tom. I am thankful that I am able to spend my days and my life loving my best friend. I am thankful for our beautiful house that we share. I am thankful we both love the holidays and really enjoy decorating our home together for every season. I am thankful we enjoy everything in and around our new neighborhood.